Meeting News - April 7, 2008 - (Page 30)

MN Webcast Report Perfecting a meeting’s itinerary for all demographics E very planner’s goal is to create a dynamic, informative, and enjoyable event. But with multiple generations of attendees now, that task has become harder. A recent MeetingNews Webcast entitled “Discover the Secrets to Building a Better Meetings Itinerary” delved into this topic and offered strategies, tips, and out-of-the-box ideas. Elizabeth West, MeetingNews’ editor-in-chief, summarized the different generations and their general likes and dislikes. Baby Boomers tend to like meetings with long breaks between sessions, awardnight dinners, motivational or celebrity speakers, group activities, and golf and spa options but dislike trendy hotels. Generation X likes short meetings with no breaks and informative speakers who offer information not found on the Internet, and don’t mind food on the go. Gen Xers dislike team events and award dinners and are a value-minded group. Members of Generation Y enjoy short meetings with no breaks but with a tech element, love interaction, and are a confident and empowered group. Because they have been pampered from an early age, they may enjoy some of the niceties that Gen X could take or leave. Although these are generalizations, “coming to grips with generational diversity” is a big issue, West explained. So how does a meeting planner please everyone? She recommended that planners try not to “feel like you have to address every generation’s needs in every meeting session,” but instead cater elements to different generations. During coffee breaks, which Boomers appreciate, Gen X and Y attendees may become antsy. Arranging an intersession, perhaps self-directed tabletop sessions that address their pressing concerns, will appeal to their needs. (However, two issues that transcend all generations of attendees are environmental and corporate social responsibility.) Lynn Stadler Randall, strategic meetings consult- ant with Maritz, agreed that “a one-size-fits-all approach is really dead” for meetings and events. There is no “typical” meeting anymore, she said, explaining that planners need sophisticated understanding of their attendees’ needs, concerns, and values in order to plan the most effective events. Randall suggested surveying potential attendees in advance of an event to gather data as part of the event design process. Then, survey them again after the event to see how well you did. As an example, Randall suggested asking different sorts of food-related questions to help determine what attendees will enjoy eating: “How often do you eat out versus at home?”“How often do you work out?” and “What are your hobbies?” Randall noted that engaging attendees to help produce content makes an event more personal to them, and when they have a hand in creating the event, they want it to be a success. r —Kinley Levack Meet outside the box. Is it the view? The scents? The details? What will motivate your team? Book your next meeting or incentive at The Westin Le Paradis Beach & Golf Resort, St. Lucia, where inspired thinking transcends the everyday. Opening June 2009. • More than 23,000 sq. ft. of indoor function space • 10 meeting rooms, covered pavilions, and tropical outdoor venues • Experience oceanview golf, soothing spa treatments, and endless water activities For more information, visit westin.com/leparadis or call 954-624-1759. ©2008 Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc. All Rights Reserved. http://www.mimegasite.com/mimegasite/events/webcasts.jsp http://www.westin.com/leparadis http://www.westin.com/leparadis

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